As the tears streamed and the canary yellow away shirt wiped them away, Cristian Romero must've thought he played his last game for Tottenham Hotspur.
The emotion he displayed after suffering what would prove to be a season-ending knee injury at Sunderland in April was almost certainly because of the potential damage this fitness setback would do for his World Cup hopes. Spurs' plight was of secondary importance.
Romero has talked a big game online, but the club captain hasn't exactly performed as if he's overly bothered about Spurs' top-flight status this season. Injuries and suspensions have defined the centre-back's worst campaign in Lilywhite.
This all arrived off the back of that glorious night in Bilbao, where Romero dominated to the extent that supporters were thinking about naming their newborns 'Cuti', boy or girl. A year on, as news filtered through regarding his potential absence from the stadium on the final day, we were ready to wash our hands of the Argentine and part ways this summer.
Likely alerted about the fan outcry, Romero returned from rehab in his homeland to fervently support Roberto De Zerbi's side on the touchline. As a result, his Lilywhite legacy hasn't been completely tarnished, but a distinct question over his future in north London remains.
Who is going to sign Cristian Romero?
Romero delivered another pointed social media message once survival was confirmed, writing: "I hope this season serves as a lesson and an opportunity to correct everything that was done wrong, both on and off the pitch, for the future of this beautiful club."
When fit and focused, there's no doubt that Romero is a defender De Zerbi would want to build around. However, the Argentine did much to damage his reputation this season, despite his online outbursts towards an unpopular hierarchy.
We'd borderline accepted that he'd be on the move this summer, but Romero's dwindling stock means there's unlikely to be a long queue of potential buyers. Atlético Madrid, who were keen a year ago, have grown sceptical, and the centre-back needy Barcelona were perhaps hoping we'd go down so they could secure Romero at a discounted rate.
I have no doubts that the centre-back will star for Argentina at the World Cup, with his knee injury likely to have healed by the time the tournament gets underway. The holders are defending their crown, and there's every chance Romero's value inflates once more.
If a sale does go down this summer, expect it to be after the tournament. Atléti may be smitten again, or Barça find a way to stump up the necessary cash.
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